The new citizens came to the United States from 30 countries, including China, Cuba and Bosnia.

Simon Abi Nader, director of the Manchester field office of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, conducted the ceremony, and he said it was particularly special for him. The ceremony was the final official duty for the Lebanon native who has worked as an immigration official for 34 years.

"Excuse me if I get a little bit emotional, for over the years, administering the oath to all new citizens takes me back," Nader said.

Dzelmina Mulalic was among those who became citizens Friday. She came to the United States 14 years ago from Bosnia.

"The war was going through my mind and all the hard times that we had to endure just to get out of the country," Mulalic said. "And my mom and how hard she worked to get us here, so to finally have that certificate in my hand is one of the best achievements for me."

"She was a permanent resident. She never had to do this," said her husband, Joshua Couch. "But the fact that she wanted to so badly just means a lot, and it's kind of funny how we all take it for granted, but it means so much to these people."

Mulalic said her new status as a citizen makes her feel more secure.

"It's the best thing ever," she said. "I mean, it gives me freedom. I can finally have a country where I know I'm safe and I know I can raise my daughter."